Best of 2014, part three

When I started this exercise, I thought this had been a same-old, same-old kind of year - not good or bad, just nothing incredibly exciting. I didn't get engaged or married or go through a dramatic breakup, I didn't change jobs or start a new degree or move across the country, I didn't check any new countries off my personal map. I did move apartments but really, I seem to do that every year. And I got burglarized, but I would prefer to forget that.

But picking out favorites reminded me of all the magic 2014 really held. If nothing else, this was a year of beauty and adventure and new experiences. Not to mention a marathon election observation experience in Tunisia, trips to New Orleans, Seattle, Pittsburgh, and Southern California, fun with friends, another summer of gardening, new creative passions, and sustainable exercise routines. I came away so grateful for the year that's passed and so excited to fill 2015 with even more good stuff. 

Best of 2014, part two

Best of 2014, part one

Inspired by Elise's blog and the yearly round-ups she's done in the past, I looked through my iPhoto this weekend and pulled out some "bests" from 2014. (A bit belated, I know.) They are not perfectly representative of my activities this year, but they are a fun collection and a nice capsule of a colorful year.

pattern in plants

I ventured down to the US Botanic Garden wi for the first time ever on Sunday. I can't believe how much gorgeous plant life I had been missing. Nice to start the new year with a dose of green and pink and new schemes about deserts and jungles to visit.